Radiator



F. L. RICE.

RADIATOR.

APPILICATION FILED DEC. 11, 1915.

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RADIATOR.

APPLICATION FILED DEC. 11, 1915.

1,342,509. Patented June 8, 1920.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

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RADIATOR.

APPLICATION FILED DEC. 11,.1915.

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RADIATOR.

APPLICATION FILED DEC. H, 1915.

1,342,509. Patenteuune 8, 1920.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

\\ III/l JMOLMM #m UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

FRANK L. RICE, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR T0 JAMES B. GLOW & SONS, A CORPORATION OF ILLINOIS.

RADIATOR.

Application filed December 11, 1915.

T 0 all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, FRANK L. RICE, a citizen of the United States, and resident of Chicago, in the county of Cook, and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Radiators, of which the following is a description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of my specification.

My invention comprehends the provision of a radiator especially intended to be used independently of any other heating system, namely a radiator which, in itself, constitutes a heating unit, either as a water or steam radiator; the construction being such, however, that it may be connected up with an auxiliary radiator located at a higher level or plane and arranged to receive the heating medium from the first mentioned or main heating unit.

A further object of my invention is to provide a radiator or heating unit of the type mentioned adapted more especially for the employment of gas as a fuel; with the combustion chamber formed integral with the radiator and so constructed as to obviate the tendency to back flash, and whereby a more perfect combustion is obtained.

Another object of my invention is to provide a constructionwherein the burner will induce the air which enters the combustion chamber to circle or flow about the burner in such manner as to obtain a very efiicient mixture of the air with each individual gasjet or flame issuing from the burner; the burner and combustion chamber being so constructed as to not only permit ready access to the chamber, but also enable the easy removal of the burner when occasion. re quires, without dismantling or in any way interfering with the radiator proper.

A further object of my invention is to provide a construction having flues or'ports for the passage of the heat-units from the combustion chamber, whereby the heated air is allowed to pass about the respective sections of the radiator so as to obtain a more efficient heating unit devised to provide a maximum quantity of heat with a minimum quantity of gas or fuel; the heat-unit conducting-Hues or ports being so arranged as to be completely surrounded by the watercontaining portion of the radiator; while the supporting members or pedestals for the radiator are so constructed that they will Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented June 8, 1920.

SeriaI No. 66,289.

permit complete circulation of air there through, and therefore will be air-cooled, so that scorching or injury of the floor will not result.

My invention also contemplates a construction wherein the supply of fuel or gas will be automatically regulated by the pres sure of the heating medium within the rad ator, in which the means, whereby the radiator or heating unit is supplied with water, is so formed as to not only enable the operator to determine the waterlevel within the radiator, but will also permit the radiator to be easily and thoroughly drained and cleaned.

The above enumerated purposes and advantages, together with other advantages mherent in the construction, will be more fully comprehended from the following detailed description of the drawings where in Figure 1 is a side elevation of my improved construction, shown provided with a portion of a pipe which may or may not be employed for connection with a radiator located at an upper level.

Fig. 2 is an end elevation of the construction shown in Fig. 1, looking at the same from the left hand or mixing chamber side thereof.

Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional view of the construction shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 4-4 of Fig. 3, looking downwardly.

Fig. 5 is a detail view illustrating the lower header and a portion of a radiatorsection; with the combustion chamber wall shown partly broken away.

Fig. 6 is a sectional plan view taken transversely through a pair of the radiator-sections, in order to more clearly disclose the construction of the heat-unit passages or flues disclosed in Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a detail view in elevation of a portion of a section and one of the end plates for closing the end of the combustion chamber, towit, the plate at the right hand side in Fig. 4, which may be termed the outer end plate.

Fig. 8 is a detail view of the end plate for the opposite end of the combustion chamber, namely the plate for closing what may be termed the inner or mixing-chamber end.

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the burner.

Fig. 10 is a detail view of the water glass, inlet and drain; the same being shown in vertical section.

Fig. 11 is a detail sectional view of the inlet end of the mixing chamber showing the gas and air-regulating valves.

Fig. 12 is a sectional View in elevation of the mechanism shown in Fig. 11, taken on the line 1212 of Fig. 11, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the fuel or gas -supply controlling means.

Fig. 14 is a detail view of the fuel or gas supply-controlling valve disclosed in Fig. 13, shown in front or end elevation.

Fig. 15 is a detail sectional view of one end of the pilot.

Fig. 16 is a sectional view taken on the line l6---16 of Fig. 15, looking in the direction of the arrows.

In the particular eXemplifica-tion of my invention as disclosed in the drawings, the heating unit or radiator comprises a series of sections 20, each of which preferably consists of a plurality of vertically disposed columns; the sections disclosed in the illustration comprising three columns 21 which unite both at the top and bottom by means of suitable headers.

Each section 20, both at its top and bottom, is provided with openings, at a central point intermediate of the sides of the sections, arranged to receive suitable nipples 22, 22 whereby communication between adj acent sections is effectedlboth atithe top and bottom of the sections, thus providing a radiator or heating unit adapted for use either as a hot water heater or steam heater.

Each section comprises an integral casting provided at its bottom with a substantially semi-circular extension 23, formed integral with the section, so that the grouped or assembled sections with their respective extensions will provide a combustion chamber 24; integral with the radiator or heating unit. All of the sections are similar in construction with the exception, of course, of the end sections, which are provided with the standards or legs 25, 25, preferablyformed integral with the lower combustion chamber extension of the end-sections, so as to support the radiator or heating unit at a level above the floor; the standards or legs25, in the particular exemplification of my invention, being shown supported by pedestals 26. The pedestals 26 are provided with channels 27 passing t ierethrough so as to permit air to pass through the channels and about the pedestals, thereby providing what may be termed air-cooled pedestals, see Figs. 1 and 2.

The end sections are provided with an outer side wall 23, 28 for closing the ends of the combustion chamber 24. These side walls 28 are provided with suitable openings to permit of the insertion of the burner 29 and )ilot 30; the openings in the end walls '28 being closed by suitable end-plates 31 and 32, respectively, as disclosed in Figs. 8 and '71; plate 31 being intended for the opening in the outer side wall 28 through which the burner is inserted, while endplate 32 is intended tor the opening in the outer side wall 23 of the opposite end section; being provided with suitable means for supporting the end of the burner, as, for example, the opening 33, shown in Fig. 7, which receives the end of the burner, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4.

The combustion chamber extensions 23 of the respective sections 20 are each provided with grooves or notches 3 1, see Fig. 3, preterably arranged in the sides or abutting edges of the extensions, where the notches in the different sections will register with the notch or groove in the adjacent combustion chamber extension and thereby provide a series of air openings in the bottom of the combustion chamber, as shown.

The nipple-receiving openings in the bottom headers of the respective sections may be surrounded with slight ridges or ribs, as can be seen at 22 in Fig. 5, so as to maintain the sections in a slightly separated relation, as shown more clearly in Fig. 6. lVith this construction, additional inlets for air to the combustion chamber are-not only provided, but space between the headers of adjacent sections for the upward passage of the heatunits is obtained, so that the headers or alter-containing portions of the sections will be more quickly heated.

The wall of the bottom header of each section 20 is provided with one or more vertically disposed grooves 35, as shown in Fig. 5; the grooves 35 of adjacent sections arranged to register with each other so as to provide vertically disposed flues indicated at 35 in Fig. 6. The fiues 35 convey the heated air from the combustion chamber upward around the columns of the sections, thereby assisting in the rapid heating of the water. With the iiues arranged at the point described, they are surrounded by a water space or jacket, as shown in Fig. 6; a flue being arranged intermediate of each column, as disclosed in Figs. 5 and 6.

One of the end sections 20 is provided with a combination water glass, filling cup and drain, for the purpose of supplying the radiator with a suitable quantity of water, and in order that the state or stage of the water can always be determii'ied, This combined member is preferably secured to the of the member 38 being closed by a suitable cap 40 preferably arranged to screw into place.

The lower end of this combination member is provided with a casting or member 41 having a tube-portion 42 which communicates with the lower portion of the lower header of the outer or end-section 20 of the radiator. The lower end of member or casting 41 is preferably offset in the sloping manner, shown in Fig. 10, so as to brin its orifice into a plane beneath the plane of the lower portion of the bottom header of the radiator, and at the same time substantially in line or parallel with the tube-portion 42 in order to permit the insertion of a wire or other suitable means for cleaning out the radiator or bottom header thereof. By placing the orifice of member or casting 41, as described, the radiator may be completely drained of all its water and thoroughly cleaned. The outer end or orifice of member or casting 41 is normally closed by a suitable cap 43 arranged to screw onto the outlet end of member 41, as shown.

The burner 29, more clearly' shown in Figs. 3 and 4, has its elongated or straight portion provided with a series of perforations 44 arranged in groups, as shown in Fig. 4, the perforations being preferably arranged in the offset or staggered manner disclosed. Each group of perforations 44 is arranged on a different facet of the burner; the upper surface of the burner being provided with a series of facets, as shown at 45 in Fig. 4, which are preferably slightly curved, as more clearly shown in Fig. 9. The facets 45 are produced by staging or off-setting successive portions of the burner; the different stages being sloped downwardly so as to produce a serrated surface; one end of a facet being in a lower plane than the beginning or other end of the facet, as can be seen in Fig. 4. By arranging the upper and side walls of the burner, as described, a series of channels are provided which are preferably arranged in the diagonal manner shown on the upper surface of the burner so as to correspond with the offset or staggered arrangement of the various groups of perforations 44; while the facets on the sides of the burner are preferably arranged to provide grooves or channels disposed at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the burner and therefore at an angle to those on the upper surface of the burner. This construction and arrangement of the channels insures a proper flow and distribution of air, the channels inducing the air to flow along the grooves or channels formed in the walls of the burner, to-wit, along the various walls produced by the serrated formation, causing the air to mix with the various gas-jets of each group. This arrangement or construction and slight curving of the upper surface or facet causes air to mix with the intermediate jet as well as with the end jet of the respective groups.

The outer end of burner 29 terminates in an enlarged bent or goose-neck portion 46 which causes the gas to flow in a curved path before delivery to the burner proper and induces a more complete mixture of the air and gas before it reaches the series of various groups of perforations 44.

By bending the mixing chamber 46 back upon itself in the goose-neck manner shown, any tendency to flash back, either because the gas-supply is diminished, or for other reasons, will be obviated.

The inlet end of the mixing chamber 46 has its side wall provided with an enlarged slot or semi-circular opening; and the end of the mixing chamber is provided with the ferrule 47, rotatively mounted thereon. The member 47, in turn, is provided with an opening or slot 48, adapted to register with the opening at the end of the mixing chamber when the ferrule member 47 is rotated, thereby controlling the size of the air-port or inlet and providing an auxiliary air-regulating member or valve, whereby air is supplied in addition to the air. valve later described. This auxiliary valve, it has been found in practice, tends to steady the flame issuing from the burner.

The inlet end of the mixing chamber 46 is provided with a main air-regulating valve, comprising the stationary member or portion 39, see Fig. 11, which is adapted to be inserted in the end of the mixing chamber 46; the flange portion of member 49, which enters the mixing chamber, being preferably notched or cut away at predetermined points, as shown at 50, for the sake of lightness in construction and at the same time so as not to interfere with the auxiliary air inlet controlled by the ferrule member 47. The member 49, on its outer face, is provided with a series of radially disposed openings 51, which are adapted to be closed or covered by the solid or spoke portions of the rotatable disk-member 52, which is firmly held against the face of the stationary member 49 by means of a suitable spring 53. The frictional relation between members 49 and 52, caused by spring 53, will maintain member 52 in its adjusted position, whereby the desired quantity of air for the mixing chamber is obtained. Member 52 is preferably provided with the wing or finger portions 54 whereby rotatable member 52 may be easily operated. It is understood, of course, that the openings in member 52, between its radially disposed spokes, are preferably of a size substantially equal to the size of the openings 51 in stationary member 49, so that the rotation of member 52 will either entirely or partially close the openings 51, depending upon the extent of r cap 60 which is preferably screwed onto rotation of member 52, thereby regulating the flow of air into the mixing chamber e6.

concentrically arranged with the airvalve just described is a gas-inlet member 55 which is connected with a gas line 56. Gas-inlet member is provided with a port 57 which is controlled by the needle-valve 58 which has screw-threaded relation with member 55, as shown at 59, so that the adjusted position of the needle-valve 58 will be maintained. After the needle-valve 58 has been adjusted, so as to permit the proper flow of gas through port 57, the screw end of needle-valve 58 is inclosed by a suitable the extension of member 55, as shown in Fig. 11, so that the needle-valve 58 may not be readily tampered with.

The gas line 56 is shown connected by a suitable union (51, see Fig. 1, to the pipe 62 which connects with the regulating mechanism, shown in detail in Fig. 13. The regu lating mechanism comprises a suitable housing 63 having a removable cap portion 0a. Mounted between the housing 63 and capportion G-l is a diaphragm 65, preferably composed of resilient material such as composition rubber, and the like; the diaphragm being held in place by the same means whereby cap-member 64- is secured to the housing 63. The diaphragm 6:) has secured to it at a central point a valve member (36 provided with a conical head (57 conforming to the tapered outlet end (38 of the housing (53 which communicates with pipe (32. Valve member 66 is preferably provided with an extension or stem 69 beyond the head-portion 67. The head-portion 67 is provided with several grooves or notches 70, '70, see Fig. 14, which will permit asmall quantity of gas to flow from pipe 73 into housing 63 after the valve is forced to its seat by the diaphragm through pressure in the radiator.

The cap-portion 64: is provided with an inlet 71, preferably offset as shown in Fig. 13, which is adapted to be connected with the adjacent radiator section, as shown in Fig. As the pressure in the radiator increases, it will affect the diaphragm 65 and flex or force the same against the action of spring 72 located in the pressure mechanism housing 63, causing the valve 66, with its head 67, to be forced to its sea-t, thereby shutting off the flow of gas through pipe 73 except for the small quantity of gas which may continue to flow through the shallow grooves in the face of the conical head 6-7 of the valve 66. The supply of gas, which is conveyed to housing 63 by supply-pipe 73, being shut off to the extent made possible by the valve 66, necessarily diminishes the supply of gas for the mixing chamber, reduces the flame issuing from the burner until the pressure in the radiator diminishes sui'liciently to permit the diaphragm member 65 to return to the normal position, shown in Fig. 13, to which position it will also be brought through the action of spring 72.

The valve member 66 is secured to diaphragm 65 by means of the screw 74 which passes through diaphragm 5 and enters a tapped hole in the end of valve member 66; metallic washers 75 and 76 being preferably employed on opposite sides of the diaphragm, as shown in Fig. 13.

The gas supply line 73 also connects with a suitable pilot 30 which consists of the tubular member (see Fig. 1), provided with a series of perforations 78. The pilot is arranged in the combustion chamber 2%, passing through the opening 79 provided in the end-plate 31, shown in Fig. 8. The inner end of the pilot 30 is closed by a suitable plug. The inner end of the pilot is also provided with a longitudinally disposed slot 80. The construction of pilot disclosed will not only provide a series of small jets issuing from the openings 78, toward the burner 29, but will also throw a long jet or flame extending toward the opposite end of the burner 29, resulting in all of the ports, or groups of ports, +14: in the burner to be quickly and simultaneously ignited, thereby obviating the escape of unconsumed gas. The flow of gas to the pilot closed off by means of the valve 81.

By offsetting the inlet 71 in capportion (34, I am enabled to have the inlet opening 71 in line with the lowermost portion of the lower header of the radiator, thereby permitting the water to drain or flow out of the regulator and into the lower header, from whence may be drained by the drain previously described, which will prevent any possibility of water remaining in the regulator where it might freeze during cold weather when the radiator is not in use.

The various sections 20 of the radiator may be brought up flush against each other, or they may be slightly separated by small bosses formed on the uppe" and lower headers of the respective sections, and thereby provide slight spaces or passages for the circulation of air about the respective sections and their columns. The sections of the radiator may be secured together by any suitable means, in addition to the nipples, so as to provide a rigid construction.

The end plates 31 and 32 are secured in place by means of a single screw for each plate which is intended to extend through the perforations 84 and 85 of plates 31 and 32, respectively.

It is evident from the construction shown and described that access to the combustion chamber may be readily had by simply removing the single screw in each plate which permits the end plates to be removed. The burner may also be easily taken out of -ferent floor level.

the combustion chamber for cleaning, repairs, and the like, by simply unscrewing the one union connection hereinbefore referred to, namely the union connection 61. This permits the burner to be removed without in any way disconnecting the radiator or without removing either end plate of the combustion chamber.

The curved mixing chamber 46, herein described, is preferably located to the outside of the combustion chamber and in sures not only the proper mixture of air and gas, but also economy in fuel.

The radiator, or rather one of the sections 20 thereof, is provided with a suitable air-valve 86, see Fig. 3, located at a proper point to permit the exit of air from the radiator without permitting leakage or" steam.

I have chosen to illustrate my radiator, or rather one of the sections thereof, provided with a pipe 87, see Fig. 3, which may be employed if it is desired to convey some of the heat units or rather some of the heating medium to a radiator located on an upper level. This permits a single gen erating unit or radiator to provide the necessary heat for different rooms or difhere such connection is not desired, it will be understood, of course, that the pipe 87 may be eliminated and the opening in the radiator end section closed with a suitable cap or other suitable means.

The burner is shown provided with a lip or lug 82 which is adapted to pass through the notch formed in the opening 83 of end plate 31, when the burner is inserted into place. After the lug has passed through the notch the burner is partially rotated into proper position, so as to present its ports upwardly. Such movement or rotation of the burner will move the lip or lug 82 out of register with the notch and prevent the withdrawal of the burner. In order to maintain the burner in its proper position, or rather to determine the proper extent to which the same should be rotated, I provide the mixing chamber portion thereof with the lugs 88, one of which is adapted to rest on the stop or lug 89 formed on end plate 31. The lugs 88 will prevent the too far insertion of the burner, while one of the lugs 88 and stop or lug 89 prevent the too far rotation of the burner about its own axis and therefore insure the proper positioning of the burner in the combustion chamber, and also properly support the burner against any tendency to rotate by reason of the mixing chamber formation, as is clearly evident from the construction shown.

I have shown and described what I believe to be the simplest and best form of my invention, but it will be understood, of course, that the construction may be varied in certain details without, however, departing from the spirit of my invention, and I do not wish to be understood therefore, as limiting myself to the exact construction shown and described.

hat I claim is A radiator composed of a plurality of sections provided with hollow columns and a bottom header, each section being provided with a continuous open-sided shell formed integral with the front and rear walls of the lower part of the section and disposed beneath said bottom header so as to provide an integral sectional combustion chamber, said shell-formations being arranged to extend beyond the sides of the respective radiator-sections so as to permit the shell-formations to abut against each other, the abutting edges of said shell-formations being provided with registering notches whereby a series of air ports for said chamber are provided, the end sections of the radiator being each provided with an end wall formed integral with the opensided shell-formation of said end sections, said end walls of the end sections being provided with openings, removable means for closing said openings, said removable means being provided with burner-receiving openings, in combination with an elongated burner arranged in said combustion chamber through said openings in said means and extending from end section to end section of the radiator, and means for supporting said burner in position.

FRANK L. RICE.

Witnesses:

Gnoncn HEIDMAN, F. A. FLonELL. 

